Radiator Problems

[pikemarsh]

Hello,
I have had a recurring problem with the coolant system in my 98 Wrangler. I am not exactly sure what the issue is, but it seems to be spewing coolant all over the engine and hood. I attempted to flush the system myself today and I could not even get any water to come out of the bottom drain plug. My knowledge of engine mechanics is less than stellar, but I'm guessing that the radiator is clogged. Is there any cheap/easy way to fix this without buying a new radiator? Or am I resigned to the fact that I'll have to drop a new radiator in my Jeep.

Any input or advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[korisu56]

What did you put in the top of the radiator to drain out of the bottom?

[pikemarsh]

I put a water hose in there trying to flush it out, but the water just kept coming out of the top.

[korisu56]

I'll let someone who knows what the hell is going on speak now....refer to disclaimer

[05warrior]

would the thermastat have anything to do with it??

[Dragline]

Hummm-drain plug out and still nothing? Pull the rad and take it to a rad shop and have them flush it... Just a thought...

[vajeeper]

Is it overheating at all? Or does it spew before it has a chance to?

I would check the hose going to the thermostat. Something may be blocking the coolant flow. If that doesn't work, might want to look at trying to run a radiator drano type product through it.

Keep in mind that I am mildly retarded when it comes to mechanical issues.

[Ghost00TJ]

on mine, it was the tabs that hold the plastic top to the metal core they would leak all along the seam. ended up getting new radiator.
The tabs get loose over time from normal expansion and contraction, you can CAREFULLY bend them back down a couple times but they get weaker every time. If you hit or push to hard the plastic cracks and you are buying a new rad.

I also had some pressure leaking and it ended up being of all things, the overflow hose had a pin hole and cap seal wasnt working.

[metalcd]

it hasnt done this yet, has it?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/OahuJeepers/metalcd/DSC01518.jpg
that was after playing in the sand, climbing hills with mud terrains, then shutting it off when it got too hot. after i replaced is when i pulled out the blazer, one week later. always going at it.

1. auto or manual
2. ensure you open the correct hole (some manuals have the auto coolant tips)
3. check your thermostat
4. check your water pump
oh yeah, does it overheat at all?

[Ghost00TJ]

he he thats a nice custom rad. Mine cracked along the top edge but didnt blow up like that.

That is a good pic to show the tabs I was talking about that hold that plastic top on the main aluminum core, that is where mine started to leak. I bent them back down twice once at about 75,000 miles and again at round 95,000 then it cracked.
There are many reports of stock rads not accumulating many miles (50,000 in some cases) before they leak.

[pikemarsh]

Well I ended up having to swap out the water pump and the Jeep no longer leaks. However, I have now run into a whole new set of problems. I believe that the timing is off with the serpentine belt. The jeep makes a different sound than it did before I took the belt off and put it back on and it also has a slight squeak that sounds like one of the pulleys is wobbling. Also, the engine overheats pretty quickly. Could this be an issue with timing or is something else screwed up. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.